RYA CYMRU WALES NATIONAL & REGIONAL SQUAD SELECTION POLICY (INCLUDING ACADEMY & POST YOUTH SUPPORT) 2015 / 16 1
Contents Page 1 Foreword 1 2 Introduction 1 3 Eligibility 3 4 Squad Age and Size Profiles 4 2 Welsh National & Regional Optimist Squad 6 3 Welsh National & Regional Topper Squad 7 4 Welsh National Laser 4.7 Squad 8 5 Welsh National Feva Squad 6 Welsh Regional Windsurfing Squads 9 7 Welsh Youth Squads 10 8 Welsh Squad Benefits and Sailor Commitments 11 9 How to Apply 11 10 Youth Academy & Post Youth Support 12 2
Foreword The RYA Cymru Wales is the Royal Yachting Association s (RYA) council for Wales and is committed to developing the best young racing sailors in the UK and feed the British Sailing Team. The RYA Cymru Wales has appointed a Performance Sub Committee (PSC) which will oversee the work of the High Performance Manager (HPM) and ratify the squad nominations put forward by the selection committee. Discretion may be exercised in exceptional circumstances to include or exclude sailors from squads, however by setting out a clear and straightforward selection policy the RYA Cymru Wales intent is that all sailors can identify their target events and work towards attaining the best possible results in them. Introduction Selection for the RYA Cymru Wales 2015-2016 squads will be determined by the Selectors appointed by the Performance Sub Committee. Their aim is to select the sailors, who in their opinion, have the best prospects of progressing to RYA youth and junior squads and winning medals for Wales and Great Britain in the future. A high proportion of the Welsh National Squad places will be allocated to sailors on the basis of their national ranking in the indicator series and class ranking. Some places may also be awarded on a discretionary basis. Eligibility To be eligible for selection to any of the squads referred to in this policy a sailor should meet the age criteria in the matrix below and be eligible to compete for Great Britain in the ISAF Youth World Championship. (Youth World Championship eligibility criteria can be found at http://www.isafyouthworlds.com/tools/documents/app2-%5b488%5d.pdf.) In addition, their primary place of residence and their primary sailing club must be situated in Wales. In exceptional circumstances, non-residents of Wales may elect to apply for a Welsh Squad place. They will be considered for inclusion using the following criteria:- 1. Existing or previous membership of a Welsh squad. 2. The sailors crew or helm meets the above criteria (Double-handed youth classes only). If a sailor has previously been a member of another zone or home country and has moved primary residence and primary sailing club, they will need approval from both the High Performance Manager (HPM) of the zone they have moved from and also the Welsh HPM before they are considered for selection into a Welsh squad. Without this approval, a sailor cannot be a member of a Welsh squad after being a member of another zone or home country squad. Applications will be checked by the Welsh HPM to ensure the eligibility criteria are met before being put to the Selection Committee. 3
RYA Cymru Wales selectors may recommend to the PSC that older sailors are involved in Welsh squad training. Sailors falling into this category are encouraged to apply and could be eligible for discretionary places. To ensure a balanced gender mix within the squads, the RYA Cymru Wales selectors may recommend to the PSC that they invite sailors falling outside of the normal selection criteria to ensure a minimum number, or either gender, usually not less than 30%, are included within the programme. Sailors may be invited to attend one or more squad sessions on a trial basis if the selectors are not certain that a sailor will meet a required level of ability. This option may normally be considered for sailors significantly below age or in transition from a different class. A sailor cannot usually be a member of more than one Welsh squad. However, in circumstances where a sailor is considering transition between classes, they may make a request to the High Performance Manager to be allowed to train alongside another squad. Target Squad Sizes and Ages 2015/16 Squad sizes will vary depending upon the strength and depth of talent in each particular class. However approximate indicative numbers are shown in the tables below. Ages in the tables below are as at 31 st December 2015. Welsh National Squads Profile Optimist Topper Laser 4.7 Feva Youth Squads Academy and Post Youth Support U14* U14* U15* U15* U19* U21* 14 22 Boats 10-12 Boats 6-8 Boats 6-8 Boats Varies by class to a max of approx. 10 Very few Optimist Regional Squad Profile 2015 / 2016 Profile* Target Squad Size* South & West Optimist Under 13 4 Sailors South & West Optimist Under 12 8 Sailors North Optimist Under 13 4 Sailors North Optimist Under 12 6 Sailors 4
Topper Regional Squad Profile 2015 /20 16 Profile* Target Squad Size* South & West Topper Under 13 4 Sailors South & West Topper Under 12 8 Sailors North Topper Under 13 4 Sailors North Topper Under 12 6 Sailors Windsurfing Regional Squad Profile 2015 / 2016 Profile* Target Squad Size* South Windsurfers Under 17 12 Sailors North Windsurfers Under 17 12 Sailors *Typical Age see specific class part of policy for details The reason for the RYA Cymru Wales lower age limits is to allow the progression further along the pathway to RYA Youth & Junior squads. In exceptional circumstances, the selectors may consider applicants outside this age range. Sailors who have gained places in RYA youth and junior squads (no matter what age) will automatically qualify for a place in the Welsh National Sailing Squad. Discretionary places will be determined by the Selection Committee and may be offered to sailors who: Fall outside the age criteria Due to exceptional circumstances fail to achieve automatic selection Any other reason the Welsh High Performance Manager and the Head Coach feel are appropriate. 5
WELSH NATIONAL & REGIONAL OPTIMIST SQUADS Selection Criteria Places in both the Welsh National Squad and Regional Squads will be allocated based on sailors results from the following events: National Optimist Squad: 1. Inland Championships: 16-17 May 2015, Grafham Water SC 2. Late Summer Championships: 05-06 Sept 2015, Draycote Water SC 3. End of Season Championships: 10-11 October 2015, WPNSA (**best two results will count**) Squad Profile 2015-2016 Age Profile (31 st Dec 2015) Places awarded to any RYA Junior or Intermediate Squad sailor. 6 places by IOCA (UK Optimist Class Association) ranking who are not selected for an RYA squad. Any number of places on the discretion of the Selection Committee. Preference maybe given to younger sailors. Further places in exceptional circumstances maybe awarded outside these criteria. These places will normally but not exclusively be awarded to girls. Not Applicable Under 14 Under 13 Under 15 Regional & Discretionary National Squad Places We do not expect that all sailors, particularly at the younger ages, will have attended all three major events. Therefore, places will also be awarded using results from any International Optimist Class Association (IOCA) UK ranking events attended and/or any of the following events: - Welsh Youth & Junior Championships: 25-26 April 2015, Pwllheli SC Welsh Optimist Championships: TBC IOCA Optimist National Championships: 25-31/07/2015, Pwllheli SC Welsh Zone Championships: 26-27 Sept 2015, Bala SC RYA Cymru Wales Regional CYRC Events in South, West & North Wales (Regional Squad Only) Regional Sailors are not required to have achieved an IOCA ranking, but should have experienced a national event and competed in a main fleet at a domestic Welsh event. 6
WELSH NATIONAL & REGIONAL TOPPER SQUADS: Places in both the Welsh National Squad and Regional Squads will be allocated based on sailor s results from the following events: 1. National Championships: 02 07 Aug 2015, WPNSA 2. RYA Squad Selection Events known as ITCA National Series Events a. 06 07 June 2015, National Series 5, Royal Norfolk & Suffolk YC b. 11 12 July 2015, National Series 6, Carsington SC c. 05-06 Sept 2015, National Series 1, Rutland SC (**best two results will count**) Welsh National Squad Profile 2015-2016 Age Profile (31 st Dec 2015) Places awarded to any RYA Junior or Intermediate Squad sailor 4 6 sailors by ITCA (UK Topper Class Association) ranking who are not selected for an RYA Squad Any number of places on the discretion of the Selection Committee. Preference may be given to younger sailors Further places in exceptional circumstances maybe awarded outside these criteria. These places will normally but not exclusively be awarded to girls Not Applicable Under 14 Under 15 Under 15 Regional & Discretionary Places Regional & Discretionary National Squad Places We do not expect that all sailors, particularly at the younger ages, will have attended all three major events. Therefore, places will also be awarded using results from any International Topper Class Association (ITCA) UK ranking events attended and/or any of the following events: - Welsh Youth & Junior Championships : 25-26 April 2015, Pwllheli SC Welsh Topper Champs: 30 31 May 2015, Llandegfedd SC Welsh Zone Championships: 26 27 Sept 2015, Bala SC RYA Cymru Wales Regional CYRC Events in South, West & North Wales (Regional Squad Only) ITCA 4.2 National Championships: 13-14 June 2015, Leigh & Lowton SC ITCA 4.2 National Series 2015 events It should be noted, that it is expected and encouraged for sailors to start off in the Regional Squad in a 4.2m (smaller) Topper rig. Therefore, a sailor s previous results in a 4.2 rig will be used as evidence for selection for Regional Squads. Regional sailors are not required to have achieved an ITCA ranking but should have experienced a national event and competed in a main fleet at a domestic welsh event. 7
WELSH NATIONAL FEVA SQUAD RYA Cymru Wales will consider applications from junior sailors who can show results from National (British) level competition in the class (e.g. Class National / Inland Championships or Grand Prix Events) as well as results within RYA Cymru Wales national and regional events. Places in the Welsh National Squad will be allocated based on sailor s results from the following events: 1 Feva National Championships: 29-31/05/2015, Rutland SC 2 Feva Inland Championships: 20-21/06/2015, Chew Valley SC 3 Feva Class Association Grand Prix: 5-6/09/2015, Hayling Island SC Applications will also be considered from sailors with top results in another junior class (singlehanded) wishing to make a transition to a double-handed pathway. Squad Profile 2015-2015 Age Profile (31 st Dec 2015) Places awarded to any RYA National Junior Squad sailor Not Applicable A maximum of 8 places at the discretion of the Selection Committee Under 15 Further places in exceptional circumstances maybe awarded outside these criteria. These places will normally but not exclusively be awarded to girls Under 16 Discretionary Places May also be awarded using results from any major events or any of the following domestic Welsh events: - Welsh Youth & Junior Championships: 25-26 April 2015, Pwllheli SC Welsh Zone Championships: 26 27 Sept 2015, Bala SC OR RYA S & W Zone Championships: 26-27 Sept 2015, WPNSA In the case of the Feva Squad only, sailors who wish to have a place in another Welsh squad (e.g. Optimist or Topper) are welcome to apply. Depending on the quality and size of this squad some or all training may take place alongside open training at clubs in North, South or West Wales or as a Feva Class Association Squad. 8
WELSH NATIONAL LASER TRANSITIONAL SQUAD Places in the Welsh National Squad and will be based on a sailor s results from the following events: 4.7 Sailors:- 1 UKLA (UK Laser Class Assoc.) 4.7 Ladder event August TBC 2 RYA Midland Zone Championships: 26-27 Sept 2015, Rutland SC Radials:- RYA Youth Nationals: 6-10 April 2015, WPNSA UKLA Q4: 26-27 Sept 2015, Sunderland SC UKLA Q5: 10 11 Oct 2015, Paignton SC Potential applicants should make every effort to attend these events. Squad Profile 2015-2015 Age Profile (31 st Dec 2015) Places awarded to any RYA Junior Squad sailor 6 places by UKLA (UK Laser Class Assoc.) ranking who are not selected for an RYA squad Any number of places on the discretion of the Selection Committee. Preference maybe given to younger sailors Further places in exceptional circumstances maybe awarded outside this criteria. These places will normally but not exclusively be awarded to girls Not Applicable Under 15 Under 14 Under 16 Discretionary Places May also be awarded using results from any UK Laser Association (UKLA) ladder event or any of the following events: - Welsh Youth & Junior Championships: 25-26 April 2015, Pwllheli SC Welsh Zone Championships: 26 27 Sept 2015, Bala SC For sailors in transition from a junior class, the selectors will also be able to consider results from their previous class s international or national championships as a selection indicator. 9
WELSH REGIONAL WINDSURFING SQUADS The RYA Cymru Wales aspires to establish windsurfing squads in Wales. The overall aims will be similar to those of all other RYA Cymru Wales squads namely to select sailors who, in the opinion of the selectors, have the best prospects of progressing onto RYA squads and winning medals for Wales and GBR in the future. However, it is understood that windsurf racing is currently less established in Wales at a performance level and therefore support is being given to help develop this pathway. Places in the Welsh Regional Windsurfing Squads will be allocated based on sailor s results at the following events: 1. Open Training and Squad Selection Oct 2015 - TBC 2. Welsh Zone Championships: 26 27 Sept 2015, Bala SC Squad profile 2015 2016 Age profile (31 st Dec 2015) South and West Wales windsurfing squad up to 12 places Under 17 North Wales windsurfing squad up to 12 places Under 17 Discretionary Places May also be awarded using results from any major events or any of the following domestic Welsh events: - T-15 events 10
WELSH NATIONAL YOUTH SQUADS All sailors under 18 on 31 December 2015 are invited to apply for places in the Welsh Youth Squads if they are sailing any of RYA Youth Classes 420, 29er, RS:X, Laser Radial (U21 Female), Spitfire or Laser Standard (U21 Male). Membership of the squad will provide appropriate coaching through the winter and a package of event support. Places in the Welsh Youth Squad will be allocated based on sailor s results from the following events: 420 29er RYA Youth Nationals: 6-10 April 2015, WPNSA 420 National Championships: 22 27 August 2015, Restronguet SC RYA Youth Nationals: 6-10 April 2015, WPNSA 29er UK Harken Short Series Round 4: 11-12 Jul 2015, Grafham Water SC 29er UK Harken Short Series Round 1: 05-06 Sep 2015, Poole YC Laser Radial RYA Youth Nationals: 6-10 April 2015, WPNSA UKLA Qualifier 4: 26-27 Sept 2015, Sunderland SC UKLA Qualifier: 10 11 Oct 2015, Paignton SC Laser Standard RYA Youth Nationals: 6-10 April 2015, WPNSA UKLA Qualifier 4: 26-27 Sept 2015, Sunderland SC UKLA Qualifier: 10 11 Oct 2015, Paignton SC RS:X RYA Youth Nationals: 6-10 April 2015, WPNSA 11
How to Apply for Junior National or Regional Squads and Youth Squads Sailors wishing to be considered for any Junior Class Squad at National or Regional Level or who are applying for Welsh Youth Squad places should complete an online application form at www.welshsailingevents.org It is expected that online entries will open from August 31 st 2015. Welsh National Squads Benefits and Sailors Commitments Sailors selected to join RYA Cymru Wales National Squads will access a range of benefits: National squad training weekends run by a high level class coach Access to squad clothing Support at selected national events Access to travel grants for attending squad training Possibility of application to further grants Possible selection to welsh teams such as Eric Twiname event, Nations Cup. Support to gain coaching qualifications Access to gym facilities through Gold Card schemes Access to sports science support Opportunity to make friends for life In return sailors are expected to: Attend all the national squad training weekends (normally spread over weekends between November and May). Pay all squad fees and any other fees within the programme timeframe* Become a junior member of the RYA. Commit to the agreed training programme which will include: fitness training, training diaries and on the water training. Commit to the competition programme agreed by the Welsh High Performance Manager and Squad Head Coach. Abide by the Squad rules. *Although the Welsh National Squad Programme is supported and subsidised by Sports Wales, some costs need to be met and there will be a charge for the programme. Fees can be paid in instalments by arrangement. 12
WELSH YOUTH ACADEMY AND POST YOUTH SUPPORT Exceptional sailors may be invited by the selectors to join the Welsh Youth Academy. The Welsh Youth Academy is for sailors who have the potential to win medals at national and International Youth & Senior competition in time. The Academy is open for selection at various times but the main entry point will be in the autumn. Those selected will be able to train with the Welsh Youth squads when their GBR commitments permit. As guidance the Academy will typically be made up of sailors who have several of the following characteristics: Been in a youth class for more than a year. Showing significant potential to medal at International events. Been selected for the GBR Youth Squad for winter 2014/15 or showing significant potential to be selected in 2015. Finished the previous year within the top 10 UK youth rankings for that class. Can demonstrate high levels of talent, work ethic and desire for improvement. Represented GBR at World or European Championships. Demonstrated medal results in junior classes. The Academy will support those sailors with; - Up to 3 or 4 winter squad weekends usually in conjunction with the Youth Squad. - Tailored small group training time in their local area with Academy Coaches. - Training in wider factions of the sport such as rules and match racing. - Agreed training plans to address training and lifestyle needs. - Event support at major championships and where suitable international competition. - Equipment Support. - On-going benefits such as travel grants, gym access, clothing etc. The exact structure of each Academy package will vary to maximise the effectiveness of the support to allow each sailor to make maximum progress. Post Youth Pursuing Podium/Podium Potential Squad Consideration will also be given to applications for support from sailors who have shown an exceptional track record as a youth sailor (e.g. Podium finish at World or European events) who are not selected into the RYA s Olympic Pathway at the end of their youth sailing careers. Sailors must be actively pursuing selection within one of the Olympic classes. Support will be for a maximum of two years. The exact structure of each sailor s package will vary to maximise the effectiveness of any support to allow each sailor to make maximum progress. 13
Selection Committee The Selection Committee shall comprise of the Welsh High Performance Manager, the Head Coach of the class and Regional Head Coaches (if applicable). Selections will be subject to the approval of the RYA Cymru Wales Performance Sub Committee. There will be no appeals against the selection criteria and the decisions of the Performance Sub Committee. By submitting a Welsh National Squad application form the applicants agree to this condition. Status The RYA Cymru Wales policies and procedures are subject to change from time to time, including variations required to comply with Sports Wales directions on the investment of Exchequer and Lottery funding. RYA Cymru Wales reserves the right to amend, supplement and/or discontinue at its absolute discretion, for whatever reason, any of its policies and procedures. 14